HVAC Controls Engineer
TNBR Careers · Gallatin, TN
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Controls
- Base pay
- $64k–$80k
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 3+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- Recently
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level controls role at TNBR Careers (industrial) in Gallatin, TN.
- They ask for
- 3+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Automation, AutoCAD
- Base pay
- $64k–$80k
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 26, 2026
Controls Engineer roles in Tennessee: typical posted base $96k–$120k. This one lists $64k–$80k.
Median of the low and high ends of 3 live postings that list pay, out of 19 controls engineer openings in Tennessee, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Tennessee plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 18 other live controls postings in Tennessee.
- Experience asked
- Less than usual (3+ vs 5+)
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- PLC 79%
- ✓ Automation 79%
- Robotics 68%
- Root cause 42%
- New product launch 32%
- ✓ AutoCAD 26%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at TNBR Careers
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
Full description from TNBR CareersAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Job Summary
This position is responsible for the documentation and software programming for all types of HVAC and process control systems and perform maintenance and service for our HVAC/ Mechanical site-based equipment. Also responsible for installing, programming, testing, calibrating, operating, and repair of control systems along with their related software, hardware, and equipment. These systems control and monitor air handlers, pumps, valves, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, boilers, chillers, and other heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and components. Works with communication protocols that include but not limited to, BACnet MSTP, Echelon, Modbus, BACnet and IP. As well, perform general HVAC service & maintenance.
Job Duties
Monitor daily mechanical operations of all campuses. Visit all campuses to configure, program, and customize control systems to meet project-specific needs. Troubleshoot and resolve integration issues, ensuring the seamless operation of all systems. Calibrate and update data collection points. Repair and maintenance to a variety of equipment including refrigeration, air conditioning, electric motors, heating units, heat pumps, hermetic compressors, light commercial furnaces, boilers, burners, intake and exhaust fans, economizers, humidifiers, capacity controls, semi-hermetic compressors, split systems, flame safeguard controls, air compressors, air driers, chillers, and packaged units. Identify, size and create valve and actuator schedules. Download and adjust BAS programs. Perform functional checks of mechanical systems. Work within approved budget; Develop and implement cost saving measures; Conserve organizational resources. Observe safety and security procedures; Determine appropriate action beyond guidelines; Report potentially unsafe conditions. Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Associate’s Degree and 3 years of related experience OR a High School Diploma or GED and 5 years of related experience.
Minimum of 3 years of BAS/ Controls experience.
Minimum of 3 years HVAC Electrical Troubleshooting, or equivalent.
Minimum of 3 years of experience with Web Control/Auto Logic platforms.
Universal EPA Certification.
Valid Driver’s License.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience utilizing AutoCAD.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Title: HVAC Controls Engineer
Institution: Volunteer State Community College
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Building Automation Systems (BAS) Protocols - Develops an understanding of BAS communication protocols and engineering software.
Electrical Knowledge – Has an in depth understanding of Ohm’s Law and electrical circuits.
Blueprints - Understands the basic concepts of blueprints and schematic drawings.
HVAC Systems – Develops advanced understanding of HVAC systems and components.
Hydronic Systems – Understands the basics of chilled, condenser and hot water systems.
Air Side Systems – Understands the basics of variable and constant volume air flows.
Variable Frequency Drives – Understands concepts of VFD’s and the ability to perform operational function checks.
Test and Balance – Understands the basic concepts of Test and Balance procedures.
Computer Skills – Possesses basic computer skills to include Microsoft Office products.
IT Networks – Understand the basics of IT networks to include networking and configuration of systems.
Design Software – Working knowledge of AutoCAD.
Control Signals – Understands types and capabilities of differing control signals.
Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations.
Technical Skills – Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
Customer Service – Manages difficult customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; solicits customer feedback to improve service.
Oral Communication – Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Participates in meetings.
Written Communication – Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret information.
Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to other’s views; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests.
Leadership – Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; effectively influences actions and opinions of others.
Quality Management – Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
Pay Rate: $64,257 - $80,320 annual salary depending on experience
Volunteer State offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:
- •Insurance: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability (long and short term), FSA/HSA
- •Wellness Incentive Program (if enrolled in Health)
- •Educational Assistance: Fee Waiver, Spouse/Dependent Discounts, Tuition Reimbursement
- •Employee Assistance Program
- •Longevity Pay
- •Retirement Options: State of TN Pension (TCRS), 401a, 401K with up to $50/month match, 403b, and 457
- •14 Paid Holidays/Year
- •Annual Leave (if applicable)
- •Sick Leave
- •Sick Leave Bank
- •State Employee Discount Program with over 900 merchants
Special Instructions to Applicants
Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the application process. Official transcripts will be required upon hire.
Applicants may be subject to a background check.